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They went through the relevant administration processes, received their kit and undertook medical tests but the hard work starts on Thursday when they begin their gruelling fitness training.

Humphreys said: “It’s always good to be back. I think every year you come back in with a renewed sense of optimism.

“Obviously we finished the season with a disappointing performance and disappointing result in Edinburgh but there have been a lot of changes over the course of the last few weeks to get everybody ready, getting the players ready and getting all the things in the background ready for the players who have come in today and there’s a real buzz around.

“At the end of last season we obviously sit down as coaches and players to review how the season’s gone and look at the things we feel we need to improve going into the start of the new season.

“That’s what pre-season’s about to make sure the areas we need to improve upon we’re working hard at.” Val Rapava Ruskin and Jason Woodward were among the new signings to report to duty and meet their new team-mates for the first time.

“We’ve been speaking to the players who have been coming in right across the course of the year to make sure that the transition from one club to another is as easy as possible,” said Humphreys.

“They’re all good guys, some of them are still on tour but they’ve got an opportunity to meet the staff, meet the players and get a really good feeling of the place just to make sure they’re ready as well for the challenges that start tomorrow morning.”